DEARBORN – “I have my own experiences and accomplishments that define who I am,” congressional candidate Debbie Dingell said in an interview with The Arab American News. 

Dingell, the wife of former congressman John Dingell, the longest serving member of the House of Representatives, has long been a figure in Michigan’s Democratic Party, even before she announced her bid for congress. She is seeking the democratic nomination for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, which extends from Detroit’s western suburbs to Ann Arbor, in the Aug. 5 primary election.

Dingell, who has been on the campaign trail, listening to residents’ concerns, has had no problem ushering in support for her campaign. She’s already been endorsed by more than 100 local organizations and elected officials, including the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC), the UAW, the American Federation of Teachers and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Perhaps part of Dingell’s appeal is that she seems to be very approachable. If she’s not going door-to-door, she’s hosting house parties at her Dearborn home and interacting with residents through her morning coffee club. 

“It is important that people get to know me,” Dingell said. “I’m focused on trying to meet as many people as possible. I have not had a house party where I didn’t learn something new. Everyone who knows me in Dearborn knows I have a morning coffee group that includes people of different backgrounds and I’ve learned so many different things. That’s the beauty of democracy…people may disagree, but you still get to share your ideas.”

Dingell said her top platform items will focus on affordable education, strengthening the economy and immigration reform, because those appear to be the issues of most concern to local residents.

She said that as the chair of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, she’s been exposed to hardship that many young adults face, who are often hindered from obtaining a higher education. Her record shows that she voted against recent tuition hikes at Wayne State, because she feels costs have been accelerating too quickly and potential students are discouraged from seeking higher education due to high costs.

As a congresswoman, she will aim to increase Pell grants and lower student interest rates on federal loans, as students often have massive debts for years after they graduate.

Dingell also said she would strengthen Michigan’s economy and increase job opportunities by expanding the state’s manufacturing base. She said officials need to better utilize the state’s auto industry through job creation. 

As the vice chairman of the General Motors Foundation and executive director of Global Community Relations and Government Relations at GM, she’s already established relations with integral people in the field. She said she would work closely with both business and labor unions to develop a more efficient workforce in the state. 

She also said lack of job opportunities for young adults who can’t afford to seek higher education as well as people who are unemployed due to defunct job positions has dampened the quality of life for local residents. Michigan’s 12th District is home to several diverse communities, including Arab Americans, African Americans and Latino Americans. She said these diverse populations all share commonalities. 

“Residents are all concerned about quality of life and making sure they have equal opportunities,” Dingell said. “They want to be able to educate their kids, find a job, afford a home and live in a community where people care about each other. It’s a universal feeling across the district.”

As a Dearborn resident, Dingell said she and her husband have developed a long established relationship with the local Arab American community and she understands their concerns regarding immigration reform and foreign policy. She said the current instability in the Middle East has been an issue of concern for her, as the region has been the largest contributing factor in an increase in refugees since World War II. 

She said the country’s immigration laws are flawed and they often inhibit economic growth, making it difficult for newer residents to become successful entrepreneurs. She added that the foundation of the country was built on families coming here to seek a better life. 

Her involvement as a board member of ACCESS and her participation in other local organizations has allowed her frequent contact with the community.  She said she’s worked closely with members of the Arab American Community. 

“They are my friends and neighbors and we all love our country equally.” 

Dingell said she wants her husband’s long-time supporters to back her bid not because she is his wife, but because she’s earned a solid reputation and has the experience and work ethic to become a congresswoman.  She said her husband hasn’t been too involved in her campaign during the run-up to the primary, because she wants to establish her own standing.

“I’m blessed that I’m married to one of the wisest men in the world and I probably have not included him enough,” she said. “But he’s irreplaceable and I’m not trying to be him. In the primary I’ve done everything myself. I have my own record and I worked for GM for 30 years before I met my husband. I’ve led many groups, programs and initiatives. It’s important for me to run as my own person. ”